5 Mint Julep Drinks That Are a Sure Bet for the Kentucky Derby

If you're anything like me, there is one thing you look forward to the most on Kentucky Derby day, and it's not whether you hit a 1-20 bet. Well, yes, you look forward to that too. But there is a surer thing at your Derby party. That is, of course, the delectable mint julep.

The mint julep first hit Churchill Downs in 1936, but it's been around since at least the 1700s. The drink was first described in print as:

a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning.

Seriously, this was breakfast for Virginian farmers. Nice way to start the day! It's not quite clear if the first juleps were made with bourbon, rye whiskey, rum, or whatever was on hand, but it's now usually made with bourbon. Fresh mint, of course, has always been a staple (except for cranky purists who don't believe in sullying bourbon with mint leaves.)